2026 MWTLA Weekend Recap
The 2026 Midwest Texas Longhorn Association (MWTLA) Weekend was a tremendous success, bringing together breeders, families, youth, and Longhorn enthusiasts for an unforgettable celebration of the breed we all love.
The festivities kicked off Thursday afternoon with Longhorns on Broadway. Aubrie Rombeck led a Longhorn steer down Broadway to the Pony Express Museum, where additional Longhorns and a photo steer were on display for visitors to enjoy. Hundreds of local children participated, and thousands of photos were taken throughout the event. JBR generously provided Longhorn Lean Beef, serving hundreds of delicious sliders to attendees. Visitors also enjoyed live music, a cowboy poet, a Pony Express horse and rider, and a variety of vendors offering food, drinks, and unique merchandise.
On Friday, cattle began arriving as local FFA members worked hard to ensure every animal was well cared for with fresh hay and water. That evening, Bar R Cattle Company hosted the Pre-Sale Party. Guests enjoyed an informative and engaging roundtable discussion featuring Dr. Mark Gilliland, Micha Landes, Barb Phisgoda, and Megan Fardman. During the evening, we proudly inducted the first recipients of the Midwest Icon Award, honoring the Frank Doherty Family, the Sayre Family, and Joe Sedlacek for their lasting contributions to the Longhorn industry and the Midwest affiliate.
Prior to introducing our Spotlight Bull, TS Jammin Rebel, a special meeting was held for youth interested in participating in the MWTLA Youth Program. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our breeders, the donation heifer provided by Todd and Kelli McKnight, the sale of the 2026 Branding Board, and proceeds from the one-of-a-kind custom Longhorn bench, substantial funds were raised to support our youth participants. Combined with an affiliate contribution, a total of $1,500 was provided toward each youth member’s first purchase at the sale.
We are especially excited about the future of the MWTLA Youth Program. Beyond financial assistance, the program is designed to help young breeders succeed through quarterly educational communications focused on animal husbandry, herd health, marketing, time management, and building a successful Longhorn cow-calf operation. We were thrilled to have 15 Midwest youth participate in this year’s sale, and we look forward to watching them grow and succeed in the years ahead.
Saturday’s sale was held in front of a packed barn filled with enthusiastic buyers and supporters. We proudly presented the People’s Choice Award to Aaron and Micah Landes for Lot #3, 24LF Kid’s Secret, and once again recognized our Midwest Icon Award recipients. Buyers participated both in person and online, with Hired Hand providing outstanding support for online bidders. The sale concluded with a strong average of $4,573 per lot, reflecting the quality of cattle offered and the strength of the Longhorn market.
A sincere thank you goes out to our sponsors, consignors, buyers, volunteers, FFA members, youth participants, and everyone who attended and supported the weekend. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and dedication continue to make this event one of the highlights of the year.
We are already looking forward to making the 2027 MWTLA Weekend even bigger and better. Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and plan to join us next year as we continue to celebrate great cattle, great people, and the future of the Texas Longhorn breed.